Hj. Stone et al., Comparison of three different techniques for measuring the residual stresses in an electron beam-welded plate of WASPALOY, MET MAT T A, 30(7), 1999, pp. 1797-1808
The longitudinal, transverse, and through-thickness (short-transverse) resi
dual stresses in an electron beam-welded plate of WASPALOY, a high-strength
nickel-based superalloy, have been characterized using neutron diffraction
, X-ray diffraction, and a hole-drilling method. Where possible, the result
s from the different techniques, and the associated uncertainties, have bee
n compared. For the neutron measurements, the gamma/gamma {111} peak was us
ed for the determination of lattice strains. The X-ray measurements were ca
rried out using Fe K-alpha radiation, the sin(2) psi technique, and the {31
1} gamma/gamma composite peak. The Matthar-Soete method was used for the in
cremental hole-drilling measurements. Unfortunately, due to texture effects
, it was not possible to detect the residual stresses within the weld metal
by the diffraction-based methods. For the estimation of residual stresses,
plane-specific values of the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were dete
rmined from tensile testpieces using in situ neutron diffractometry. When t
hese data are used, it is found that the neutron, X-ray, and hole-drilling
residual stress data are mutually consistent, although the absolute certain
ties vary with the method employed. The results indicate that, next to the
weld, the longitudinal residual stresses approach 1000 MPa and are typicall
y far greater (up to 5 times) than those in the transverse and through-thic
kness directions. Measurements of the longitudinal strain with distance alo
ng the welding direction indicate that the stress state reaches a steady st
ate over the central portion of the plate; for this reason, the majority of
the diffraction measurements have been made in the plane perpendicular to
the weld at the center of the plate. A simple analysis of the thermal cycle
s and the extent of plastic deformation induced in the specimen is presente
d. The plastic "upset zone" has a size which is at least 3 times greater th
an the cross-sectional area of the weld metal; this suggests that, for accu
rate analysis of weld-induced distortion, attention should be paid to the e
volution of residual stresses in the heat-affected zone as well as the fusi
on zone.